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"While she was writing columns for The Irish Times and her best-selling novels, Maeve Binchy also had in mind to write a book that revolved around one street with many characters coming and going. Every once in a while, she would write about one these people. She would then put it in a drawer. "For the future," she would say. The future is now. Just around the corner from St. Jarlath's Crescent (which readers will recognize from Minding Frankie) is Chestnut Street, where neighbors come and go. Behind their closed doors we encounter very different people with different life circumstances, occupations, and sensibilities. Written with the humor and understanding that are earmarks of Maeve Binchy's work, it is a pleasure to be part of this world with all of its joys and sorrows, to get to know the good and the bad, and ultimately to have our hearts warmed by her storytelling"--

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A patron review from the Adult Summer Game: "This novel was compiled after Maeve Binchy's death. It was a collection of short stories all having a connection to Chestnut Street. An excellent read for the fans of Maeve Binchy."

I wanted to take my time with this seeing as it is Maeve's last ever book. Unfortunately, I couldn't put it down. It is written in her typical manner of short stories that are revolved around something impartical. In this case, a street named Chestnut. It was bittersweet to read the last page. If you are a fan of Maeve's, you will enjoy this novel, and if you have never read one of her books, shame on you and get busy :)

This collection of short stories is about people who live and work on Chestnut Street. Characters from one story appear in another and another. Binchy is very good at showing us what's behind the facade a person presents to the world. Her stories don't always have happy endings, and I appreciate that. I am sorry that this is likely the last writing of Maeve Binchy (unless other manuscripts are found). I'll miss her and her words.

Lovely is the word. Maeve Binchey knows people, particularly Irish people.I don't like short stories but this compilation has more going for it with the link formed by the street, its location and the people who live there.It's a good book for dipping.

Although the characters in the various chapters intersect each other, this book is more a collection of short stories, rather than a novel. I listened to it on CD, and the discs/chapters could be listened to/read in random order just as enjoyably as in succession. Maeve Binchy fans will recognize her style of writing and the common themes of marriages and family in Ireland.